Gauchos drain LA Harbor in opener

The Saddleback men's basketball team didn't let the leftovers hold them back on Friday in opening round of the Palomar College Tournament.  The Gauchos feasted on Los Angeles Harbor College, beating the Seahawks 68-50 to advance to the semifinals.

Coaches always worry about holiday apathy but Saddleback didn't show any signs of Thanksgiving gluttony in making quick work of Harbor.  The sophomore combination of Andrew Bournes and Collin Host combined with suffocating defense improved the Gauchos to 7-1.

Saddleback will play Los Angeles Trade Tech in the semifinals on Saturday at 5:00 PM.  The Beavers were 79-77 winners over San Diego Miramar College on Friday afternoon.  Saddleback played LA Trade Tech twice a season ago, defeating the Beavers both times.   The most recent meeting was a 66-39 win in the consolation championship of the Riverside City College Tournament last December.

"Trade Tech always has some great athletes and it should be a good challenge to match their athleticism," head coach Andy Ground said.